Eurovision 2021 - Semi Final 1 - 6. North Macedonia

 

6. North Macedonia

Qualifying Record: 6/16

Qualifying Record 50/50 era: 1/6

Running Order Record 50/50 era: 8/12

Current Country Streak: 1 Q

Current Running Order Streak: 1 NQ

 North Macedonia has produced the second biggest drama of the year so far. A Bulgarian flag at the background of the videoclip has produced a huge backlash with petitions asking the national broadcaster to replace Vasil with another artist. The participation was on the air for a few days and finally, logic has prevailed and Vasil will sing 'Here I Stand' in Rotterdam.

A classic ballad that tries to underline the vocal abilities of Vasil, unable to create a connection with the viewer. I personally find it boring and most fans seem to have the same opinion.

The history of the running order is not bad at all but after a series of very strong entries, North Macedonia is like a deer caught in the headlights. It has a few allies and might get some Jury points enough to avoid last place or even bottom-3 but this is the best it could get.

Will qualify because...the fandom will show their support after what happened a few weeks ago. Juries all over Europe decide that North Macedonia is the new jury powerhouse.

Will not qualify because... has the worst possible slot and is one of the weakest entries of the year. 

Realistic expectations for the Semi: 13th - 16th

Similar Entries of the Past in the same Running Order?: Russia 18' (NQ), Lithuania 18' (Q), Greece 15' (Q)

Interesting Facts about the Running Order: The second best slot for Juries in a SF with 9/12 Top-10 spots. The majority of the entries that have performed at No6 are ballads and they have a solid qualifying record. Juries have 4 podium results (2-1-1) and PV a 1st place. 

What happens next...: North Macedonia has a very long way to go to reach the Final and for the moment I can not see how this can happen. If it qualifies it will one of the 5-6 biggest surprises.

A drug dealer is pointing at you with a gun and threatens to kill you if you don't predict the Final Ranking: NQ in the semi with a 90% certainty.